Tell California to End Driftnets – Protect Whales & Dolphins

The California drift gillnet fishery for swordfish and shark is the most dangerous fishery for sea turtles, whales and other marine mammals along the U.S. West Coast from California to Alaska.

The California drift gillnet fishery for swordfish and shark is the most dangerous fishery for whales and other marine mammals along the U.S. West Coast from California to Alaska.

Over the past decade, more than 1,300 sea lions, dolphins, whales and turtles drowned after getting tangled in the large-mesh drift gillnets targeting swordfish and shark.

The 12 to 25 vessels operating in the drift gillnet fishery accidentally capture and kill more whales and marine mammals than any other fishery along the U.S. West Coast.

While drift gillnets have been banned in Oregon, Washington and the High Seas because of their deadly toll on endangered wildlife, California’s drift gillnet fishery targeting swordfish and thresher shark continues to operate.

Nets that stretch a mile are set to “soak” overnight, and catch and drown marine animals indiscriminately.

Join us in calling for a phase out of the fishery once and for all. Until then, we urge you to swear off swordfish and shark (if you haven’t already).

Press Release

Press Release

What You Can Do to Help

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